A Portuguese nurse convicted of murder has been apprehended in Indonesia, authorities confirmed on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Mariana Fonseca, who was sought by Interpol, was detained by Indonesian police, bringing an finish to a years-long international manhunt.
Fonseca was found guilty in connection with the 2020 death of Diogo Gonçalves in the Algarve region of Portugal. She was initially sentenced to 23 years in prison, but fled the country before she could be incarcerated. The case garnered significant attention in Portugal due to its brutality, with reports indicating Gonçalves was both murdered and dismembered by Fonseca.
According to reports, Fonseca was living under an assumed identity when she was located by Indonesian authorities. Video footage of her arrest, released by Indonesian police, shows officers taking her into custody. regiao-sul.pt published the video of the arrest.
Portuguese authorities are now working to secure Fonseca’s extradition from Indonesia to face justice. She is expected to contest the extradition, according to TVI. The arrest follows an Interpol warrant issued for Fonseca, with the international police organization seeking her capture worldwide. The Portugal Resident reported on the Interpol search.
The apprehension marks a significant development in the high-profile case, and the outcome of the extradition request will determine when Fonseca will return to Portugal to serve her sentence. This case highlights the challenges of international law enforcement in pursuing fugitives across borders.
